Buying real estate in the Netherlands
When you find a suitable freehold property in the Netherlands a purchase agreement should be drawn up binding both parties. A notary will often be used for this. The sale is transferred under separate contract by an official notary who will conduct searches at land registry and register new ownership.
It is also possible to enter into an option right to buy a property or have the first right of refusal on that property.

Solicitor / Lawyer
It is advisable to use a solicitor/lawyer or notary to draw up initial contracts and liase with the official notary.

Fees
Legal transfer costs should amount to a tax of 6% of the properties market value or purchase price, collected by the notary on completion and this can also apply to property stock holdings.
Notary fees will be around 1.5% and will incur V.A.T on top at the current rate of 17.5%.
Real Estate Agent fees will vary between 1.5-2.5%.
When V.A.T has been charged on newly constructed property, registration duty is not always due.

Property Tax
Real Estate tax is charged annually by local authorities. This local tax is charged on ownership or use of property and is based on the market value or square footage of the property. These taxes vary between districts and will normally be reviewed after five years. Some other small local service charges exist.

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